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Original poster

Ch 4 Climate advert - oil, pants etc.

29 replies

Elthamjohn · 10/11/2023 06:52

Has anyone seen the Ch 4 advert about climate where people in power strip to their underpants which have oil in them?

Is that successful advertising? Does that sort of thing work?

It came on while I was watching Countdown. I found it quite hard to understand.

OP posts:
Redsheeps · 10/11/2023 06:54

No not seen it, XR backed I guess?

JellyMouldJnr · 10/11/2023 06:55

I’ve seen it, it’s disgusting.

anybloodyname · 10/11/2023 06:56

Seen it , it's absolutely awful
Who the hell thought we would want to see that
Just vile and not a clear message at all

2jacqi · 10/11/2023 07:00

I was actually going to report this advert!! I too thought it was disgusting to watch. absolutely no need for all that thrusting in underpants!!

Original poster
Elthamjohn · 10/11/2023 07:06

Oh good. That’s a relief.

I, too, am concerned about the climate, but I can’t understand how that would get the message across to the Countdown audience.

OP posts:
OP posts:
LittleMooli · 10/11/2023 07:10

They are mocking faecal incontinence

TodayInahurry · 10/11/2023 07:12

More indoctrination, best not to watch C4

Original poster
Elthamjohn · 10/11/2023 07:18

I am curious about whether shock tactics like this do help the cause, though. Does this help raise awareness about climate change?

OP posts:
donquixotedelamancha · 10/11/2023 07:21

I found it quite hard to understand.

They are mocking faecal incontinence

No, they are mocking people in power not caring that their choices cause global warming by comparing it to incontinence.

I can't understand how anyone would struggle with the meaning of the advert. It's not subtle and the voiceover explains it's point.

Is that successful advertising? Does that sort of thing work?

Yes. For example it's so successful at getting attention that you started a thread to discuss it. I would have had no idea this series even existed without the advert engaging you so strongly.

lickthepony · 10/11/2023 07:22

Elthamjohn · 10/11/2023 07:18

I am curious about whether shock tactics like this do help the cause, though. Does this help raise awareness about climate change?

Well it works as you're talking about it.

LittleMooli · 10/11/2023 07:27

donquixotedelamancha · 10/11/2023 07:21

I found it quite hard to understand.

They are mocking faecal incontinence

No, they are mocking people in power not caring that their choices cause global warming by comparing it to incontinence.

I can't understand how anyone would struggle with the meaning of the advert. It's not subtle and the voiceover explains it's point.

Is that successful advertising? Does that sort of thing work?

Yes. For example it's so successful at getting attention that you started a thread to discuss it. I would have had no idea this series even existed without the advert engaging you so strongly.

By saying they've shit their pants so much it's gone through their pants

Original poster
Elthamjohn · 10/11/2023 15:05

… but given that I would be largely supportive of raising awareness around climate change, I am surely not the target audience.

So would the rest of the Countdown audience have been engaged? Are they changing minds or preaching to the converted?

OP posts:
Original poster
Elthamjohn · 10/11/2023 15:06

I would defend my criticism that it is hard to understand.

The imagery doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t work, actually.

OP posts:
Sabean9 · 10/11/2023 19:04

It is so disgusting it has put me off watching Channel 4. Whoever came up with it and then paid for it has no concept of what is suitable for a general audience. If I want to watch animals spreading poop I can go to a zoo. Not when I'm trying to enjoy my dinner.

donquixotedelamancha · 10/11/2023 20:44

By saying they've shit their pants so much it's gone through their pants

Exactly so. Not classy but hardly subtle.

but given that I would be largely supportive of raising awareness around climate change, I am surely not the target audience.

The imagery doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t work, actually.

I think you are overthinking and hugely overestimating the advert's message. It's not trying to make a coherent argument or change people's mind. It's trying to sell a TV show by saying the rich are shitting on us and we should wedgie them. There is no deeper meaning.

This is channel 4, makers of naked attraction, they just want your attention. Whether you watch from agreement, anger, hatred or morbid fascination doesn't matter.

Original poster
Elthamjohn · 11/11/2023 07:16

I think I see what you mean @donquixotedelamancha . Thank you for helping me work through my confusion!

I wonder how they explained it to the actors involved?

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 11/11/2023 07:21

Elthamjohn · 10/11/2023 07:18

I am curious about whether shock tactics like this do help the cause, though. Does this help raise awareness about climate change?

not at all it's like those middle class hand wringing students who throw paint on art. you have no idea why they did it just that they are a twat!

ch4 ad is revolting and it doesn't make me want to watch the programme.

VisionsOfSplendour · 11/11/2023 07:37

It's revolting and I didn't realise it was an advert I thought it was a trailer for some kind of 'C4 series of programmes so it's totally failed to get the message across to me

I read a thread about it the other day and was surprised to see it again as I thought there would have been so many complaints that it was taken off but then I saw it again

Turquoisa80 · 11/11/2023 07:43

It's for shock value, people in power are basically shitting oil and not caring at all even if it's ultimately to their own detriment. I don't personally like it though, but it made me think about what the message was even though it was ridiculous. I want to see what I can do on an individual level, so I will try to watch some of these programmes

Mrsjayy · 11/11/2023 07:45

yes it's a trailer you are right @VisionsOfSplendour

JnGTvr · 12/11/2023 21:33

Did report it to ASA.
Filth.
If campaigners think this sort of coverage will get decent people on their side, they're sadly mistaken.
These "campaigners" are the elderly with nothing better to do than sit in roads and cause further pollution by having traffic sit at idle, plus the young, that seem to think they discovered climate change an recycling, fresh out of UNI. (I am 63 and have been recycling since tge early 60's)

Hoggdogg44 · 20/11/2023 19:48

It is absolutely disgusting I dont want my 8 year old daughter watching this!!
I complained to channel 4...nothing will be done about it

Meg1945 · 21/11/2023 13:59

This advert about the oil is disgusting I have never seen an AD like this u don’t know what it’s about you have to make a guess people will talk about it because it’s so disgusting

NickyM59 · 21/11/2023 21:45

This is such an appalling advert; I’m going to complain to channel 4 actually. It’s just so inappropriate, I think disgust will likely make people turn off rather than get the intended message.